Instructor Class Description

Art Techniques

Develops intermediate skills and applications in one or more studio arts in order to enhance students' abilities as performers, arts creators, or educators. Recommended: B CUSP 197 or prior experience.

Class description

The course is an intermediate-level ballet class; at least two years previous ballet training required. Alternatively, students with extensive experience in another dance technique, the willingness to be in over one's head, and to put in a lot of extra effort may try the class. If unsure about the course's appropriateness, please contact the instructor. In the course, students are encouraged to develop their own expressive movement capabilities and to gain an appreciation of ballet and the field of dance. The class combines physical experience with discussion and exploration of anatomical principles, dance phrasing concepts, and history of ballet. Classroom work is complemented with viewing and discussion of dance performances.

Student learning goals

Gain a greater knowledge of ballet terminology and vocabulary

Expand their understanding and application of anatomically correct balletic alignment

Gain a greater understanding of balletís development, history, and relation to the world around it

General method of instruction

Most classes will be conducted as a ballet technique class. Brief in-class lectures and viewing of ballet videos will also be included to deepen the students' understanding of ballet's history and development.

Recommended preparation

At least two years previous ballet training required. Students with extensive experience in another dance technique, the willingness to be in over one's head, and to put in a lot of extra effort may try the class. Students are required to wear soft ballet slippers (canvas or leather) for the course. Please contact the instructor for additional information on where to purchase shoes and with any questions regarding prior dance training prerequisites.

Class assignments and grading

Grades will be based on: 1) in-class participation, 80%; 2) short informal writing assignments 10%; 3) live performance viewing and written response 10%.

The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. Because the instructor may further develop his/her plans for this course, its characteristics are subject to change without notice. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.
Last Update by Karena Birk
Date: 11/05/2013

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Modified:April 23, 2014